Reuters: Yemen warring sides agree at start of talks to free thousands of prisoners
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Yemen’s warring sides agreed to free thousands of prisoners on Thursday, in what a U.N. mediator called a hopeful start to the first peace talks in years to end a war that has pushed millions of people on the verge of starvation.
U.N. mediator Martin Griffiths told a news conference in a renovated castle outside Stockholm that just getting the warring sides to the table was an important milestone.
The war has killed tens of thousands of people and spawned what the United Nations calls the world’s direst humanitarian crisis, since a Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened in 2015 to restore a government ousted by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement.
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MIDDLE EAST
Yemen government, rebels begin peace talks aimed at ending civil war.
Yemen war rivals double down as UN talks open.
Number of Yemenis in food crisis or emergency could hit 20 million: WFP.
Landmines pose lingering threat in war-ravaged Yemen.
US-backed fighters break into IS holdout in east Syria.
Iran: Suicide attack hits police post in Chabahar. Two killed, dozens wounded in attack on Iran police station.
Ex-Israeli Defence Minister admits to lying about Hezbollah tunnels for years.
Israel calls for international response to Hezbollah tunnels.
ASIA
China demands Canada release executive of tech giant Huawei.
Afghan electoral body invalidates all votes in Kabul.
China to 'immediately' implement measures of trade truce with US. China to 'immediately' implement US trade truce measures.
China visit by North Korean foreign minister aims to shore up support amid stalled denuclearisation talks.
Mongolia prime minister to visit Japan to discuss North Korea, report says.
Poll: Majority of South Koreans support Kim Jong Un trip to Seoul.
South Korea court orders Mitsubishi to pay wartime compensation.
Don't cross the line, Pakistan army warns Pashtun activist group.
AFRICA
Bloody rivalry erupts between al-Shabab, IS group in Somalia.
Libya could vote on constitution in February: electoral commission.
Second G5 Sahel donors Conference under way in Mauritania.
EU, France announce $1.5bn aid for African Sahel.
Nigerian presidential candidate warns about vote-buying.
Togo bans opposition protests.
Critic of Rwandan president cleared of insurrection and forgery.
Italy pressures Egypt over Giulio Regeni torture, murder.
Liberia electricity crisis: 'About 60% of power stolen'.
Benghazi airport closed as heavy rain triggers flooding.
EUROPE
Ecuador: Enough UK guarantees for Assange to leave embassy.
EU nations increasingly divided over UN migration pact.
Riots sweep Athens on anniversary of teen’s shooting death.
France fears more riots; Museums, Eiffel Tower to close.
France protests: Government fears 'major violence' in coming days. Macron administration warns of 'great violence' in Paris from hard core 'yellow vests'.
UK accused of watering down citizens' rights pledge in no-deal plan. Brexit: Theresa May 'looking at MPs' role on backstop.
Brexit vote to go ahead despite report ministers seek delay.
US attempt to 'bury' INF Treaty creates new risks for Europe - Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov.
Russian MP says US’ plans to sail warships to Black Sea are sabre rattling.
Ukraine asks West to ramp up sanctions on Russia.
Francis to become first pope to visit Arabian peninsula.
Luxembourg to become first country to make all public transport free.
AMERICAS
Canada defends Huawei arrest as markets wobble.
Thousands salute Bush funeral train 4141 on final Texas ride.
Bush presidential funeral train will be first this century.
US trade deficit hits 10-year high on record imports.
US Senators introduce resolution saying Saudi crown prince 'complicit' in Khashoggi slaying.
Tennessee to execute man on death row for 36 years.
Cuba scraps some new restrictions on private sector.
Brazil police arrest 11 amid bribery investigation of oil traders.
Thousands in Argentina protest acquittal in teenage girl's murder.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
US-backed fighters enter major IS-held town in east Syria.
US troops raid Afghan villages with little hope for a military victory.
Somali officials report deadly US-backed raid on al-Shabab.
EU, France pledge 1.3bn euros anti-terror aid for Africa Sahel.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
US stocks claw back from an early plunge on Fed report.
US household wealth jumps $2T, led by rising stock market.
OPEC delays oil output decision pending Russia talks.
OPEC members expected to agree to oil production cut.
US 'not in position to tell OPEC what to Do' - Saudi Arabia.
US-China trade war ‘truce’ should be used to find long-term solution to disputes, experts say.
Lyft prepares to list shares on stock market.
